Variable position control for hydraulic systems



A ril 3, 1951 E. H. FLETCHER VARIABLE POSITION CONTROL FOR HYDRAULIC SYSTEMS Filed Oct. 26, 1949 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 TO R.H. END OF CYLlNDER INVENTOR.

E. H. FLETCHER AT ORNEYS E. H. FLETCHER 2,547,861

VARIABLE POSITION CONTROL FOR HYDRAULIC SY TEMS April 3, 1951 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed 001:. 26, 1949 R m 0%. m m Qfi ww? E N m 1 F da V633 E //l I l 1 I I I I l I I I I I l I I l I I l i I I I I I l I I l I I I i I I I I l t I I l l l I I I I r ll/l B a 5 2 mac: 8. om QB). 2 G @2 3N N W me m nu| u% w N9 (Ill-I Afi AW A E mmox 9 OOMQON N N\ OON m ME 02 m8 m8 8.. 0mm

ATTORNEYS April 3, 1951 E. H. FLETCHER VARIABLE POSITION CONTROL FOR HYDRAULIC SYSTEMS Filed Oct. 26, 1949 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR.

I E. H. FLETCHER ATTOREYS April 3, 1951 E. H. FLETCHER VARIABLE POSITION CONTROL FOR HYDRAULIC SYSTEMS 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Oct. 26, 1949 WON a m 0 NWN mmm mmm OmN INVENTOR E. H. FLETCHER TTRNEYS than its previous working depth;

Patented Apr. 3, 1951 VARIABLEBQSITION"'CONTROI2 FOR HYDRAULIC SYSTEMS" Edward H. Fletcher, Waterloo,- Iowaassignor: to; Deere Manufacturing 00., Dubuque, Iowa,, a.

corporation; of. Iowa Application October; 26, 1949', Serial No: 123,705

1 14; Claims This invention relates to a hydraulic= system andi more; particularly to means for controlling the extent of'relative-- movement ofhydraulically powered parts;

The embodiment of theinvention disclosed herein: was de-igned primarily forand finds its greatest utility" inconnection with thecontrol of, adjustable: par'sof agricultural implements In the ordinary situation, an agricultura1= implement; such as a plow: is drawn by a-tractorand has a plow bottomadjustable vertically between transport and ground-working" positions: The tractor is equipped with a hydraulic-pump and distributingvalve: which form part of a fluidpressure" system: including a fluid motor for adjjisting the plow. This motor ordinarily takes the form of a; cylinderand piston assembly, one end of the cylinderbeing anchored on theplow frame andthe free end" of the piston rod being connected to appropriate linkage for-raising and lowering the plow.

In the operation of'a tractor-plow-unit 'of the type'described generally above; it" is necessary for theoperator'to actuate'thefluid-pressure-system' at the endIof eac-h'iurrow;to-effectraising'of the plow' bottom from itsground working position, so that; theunit canbe turned about and same ground workingtposition as before. Inthe fluid-pressure; system linown in thepast, it" has been customary toprovide a st'op-cooperativebetween-the cylinder and the-piston to positively determinethe extent" ofrelativemovement between a i the" two, and consequently to determine the .ex-

this is generally satisfactory, it is found in some circumstancesthat it is desirable or neces ary to lower the plow bottom to an extent greater If the stop means is rigidly although adiustabl'y" fixed, the desirable variation can be accomplished; however, this requires that the operator dismount from the tractor and make the necessary adjustment, after which he must make the necessary readjustment.

According to the present invention, an improved hydraulic system is provided which has limit' or control means thatimay be adjusted by the operator by means of the controlv leverfor the distributing valve, which is located con- -venienttto him onthetractor. Primarily, the in- 2. vcntion resides in aevalve tor-:controllingthe flow of fluid: to or frometheichamber of the: fluid-pressure cylinder, so thatiwhen-the system;reaches::-:a

predetermined. point: in: its. stroke; the valve; is partially CIO'JEd. to an extent sufiicient to, per. mitthrottling action which so restricts the passage" as to create an abnormal rise in pressure, with; the. result. thats the safety or pressure-relief valve; of.- the, system. is, caured. to. operate; whereupon.- the; distributing. valve control level; is returnedtdneutral and fluidpressure is nolionser transmitted to. the; cylinder... Inasmuch as the closing; actionnoi thewalveisnot. positive; that is,; the, valvedoes. not; completely, clote the. pas; sage;.ther-e.-zfs1 axestricted. passage through which fluidmay flow; at ar duc drat Iihe e ra he. operator. caniagain movevhis; COIICIOLVBJVQIQDQ: crating positionv and; thus: allow the; system to circulate fluidat such reduced rate, thereby a1,- lowing further relative movementbetween; the cylinder and piston inthe-same directionzbut at a lower speed,

A further; object of the invention. is toincor porateinthe; valve meansfor completely orrposic- Qtively closing thapassage; after a. predetermined extent-of; relatively low-speed movement between the; cylinder and pistoncsoflthatafter such, pro.- determined amount, of travel, a positive stop; be;- tween! thecylinder and piston. iseiiectede.

' It is a further; object of the invention tonne,- vide; stop; or loch-out. means: for. the, purpose, of nullifying the'action ofthe intermediate; stage (If; the. valve; that is; that stage; of the. valve. in which: the passage is. merely restricted; or throttledi but: not: closedso that the; operator. if he so; desires, may eliminate; the; slow-speed overtravel beyond the setting of his adjustablezstopi The, invention; has; f r a furherfceature the provision of. imprinted valve, means of the; char:- acter specified" which. is. so constructedand; dc,- si'g-ned as: to: require aminimum; of; modification in hyd'raulic systemsof existing types Qtherobjects and important features inherent in and encompassed-by the invention will'become apparent to those versed in the art as" a com.- pletedisclosure of a preferred embodiment? of the invention is made in thefollowing detailed description and accompanying sheets of drawings, in which:

Figure 1- is, apartial. side elevational view ofa tractor and. attached, plow equipped. with; a, hydraulic system. having; the. components as out.- lined above I Figure; 235552111 enlarged; sectional viewof one left-hand end of the cylinder illustrated in Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a longitudinal sectional view taken substantially on the line 5-5 of Figure 4, showing the piston in its fully retracted position;

Figures 6 and 7 are longitudinal sectional views similar to Figure 5 but showing the piston in different positions and likewise showing different positions of the components of the control means;

Figure 8 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line 88 of Figure 3;

Figure 9 is an enlarged transverse sectional view taken on the line 9-9 of Figure 3;

Figure 10 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on the line l8-l8 of Figure 9; and

Figure 11 is a perspective view showing one of the control parts.

Hydraulic system in generalFigures 1 and 2 As mentioned above, the embodiment of the invention disclosed herein was designed primarily for use with an agricultural unit of the type including a power vehicle and an implement havin an adjustable part. It will be understood, of course, that the invention has wider application. Further, the specific illustration of tractor and attached plow is merely representative of one of the several applications of which the invention is capable. Therefore, the present disclosure should be taken as illustrative and not limiting.

The tractor illustrated in Figure 1 is typical of a conventional tractor and has a longitudinal body carried on rightand left-hand traction wheels 22 and 24, a portion of the left-hand wheel being broken away to expose a distributing valve 26 which forms part of a hydraulic or equivalent fluid-pressure system. The distributing valve is operated by a control lever 28 which is convenient to an operators seat 38 on the tractor.

Referring now to Figure 2, it will be seen that the distributing valve 26 comprises a casing having a high-pressure or inlet passage 32 which is supplied with fluid under pressure by means of a circulating pump 34. This pump has an intake 36 connected to a reservoir 38. The reservoir 'in turn communicates through a line 40 with a low-pressure passage 42 in the distributing valve 26.

The distributing valve casing is provided with a vertical valve bore 44 within which is carried a shiftable valve 46. The valve bore 44 communicates intermediate its ends with the high-pressure passage 32 and the valve 46 is operative to effect control of a pair of motor ports 48 and 58 and a pair of exhaust ports 52 and 54. The motor ports 48 and 50 are provided respectively with spring-loaded check valves 56 and 58. The exhaust ports 52 and 54 are respectively connected by branch passages 68 and 62 with the low-pressure passage 42.

The valve 46 is shiftable selectively in opposite directions vertically in the valve bore 44 by means of linkage 64 connected to an arm 66 fixed to a "end'of the control lever 28. The upper motor port 48 is connected by a fiuid-pressure-transmitting means including a hose 18 to one end of a fluid-pressure motor designated generally by the numeral 12. The lower motor port 58 is similarly connected by a hose 14 to the motor 12. The motor has first and second members, here respectively in the form of a cylinder 16 and piston 18 (Figures 5, 6 and 7) The interior of the cylinder member is provided as a chamber to which fiuid may be supplied or from which fluid may be exhausted to effect back and forth movement of the piston 18. The member comprising the piston 18 further includes an external part in the form of a piston rod 88, the free or outer end of which has a clevis 82 for effecting connection to a rockable arm 84 pivoted at 86 on a plow frame 88. The closed end of the cylinder 16 has a clevis 98 which is anchored to the plow frame 88.

The rockable arm or member 84 is in the form of a bell crank having a second arm 92 which is connected by a link 94 to a crank axle 96 on which is journaled a ground-engaging wheel 98. The plow frame carries a plow bottom I88, shown in a transport position in Figure 1.

From the description thus far it will be seen that relative extension of the cylinder 16 and piston rod 88 Will effect clockwise rocking of the bell crank member 84-92 and will consequently raise the plow frame 88 and plow I88 relative to the ground-engaging wheel 98. Substantially full extension of the piston rod 88 is illustrated in Figure 1.

Conversely, retraction of the piston rod 88 within the chamber of the cylinder 16 will efiect counterclockwise rocking of the bell crank 84-92 and thus accomplish lowering of the plow bottom to a selected ground-working position.

As will be hereinafter brought out in greater detail, the upper hose transmits fluid under pressure from the distributing valve 26 to the righthand end of the cylinder 16 for effecting retraction of the piston rod and consequently lowering of the plow bottom I86. During this phase of the operation of the system, fluid is exhausted from the left-hand end of the cylinder 16 via the lower hose 14 and ultimately through the branch passage 62, low-pressure passage 42, line 40 and to the reservoir 38. When the fluid-pressure flow is reversed, fluid under pressure is supplied through the lower hose 14 to the left-hand end of the cylinder 16 for effecting extension of the piston rod and consequently raising of the plow bottom I80. At the same time, the upper hose 10 becomes a medium for transmitting fluid exhausted from the right-hand end of the cylinder back through the distributing valve casing to the reservoir 38. 1

The connection of the plow frame 88 to the tractor for travel of the two together is effected by a hitch including a drawbar I82 on the tractor and a draft member I 84 on the plow, as is generally conventional.

The distributing valve illustrated is of the type in which the main control valve is automatically returned to neutral position upon the occurrence of an abnormal pressure rise in the system. The neutral position of the valve 46 is illustrated in Figure 2. The rockshaft 68 has fixed thereto a centrally notched plate I06 which has its central or neutral position established by a spring-loaded arm and roller means [68. The rockshaft 68 has also fixed thereto a radially extending plate H8 having an arcuate edge I 12 formed about the axis of the .rockshaft. The arcuate edge terminates at its opposite ends in cut-off corners H4 and I I6,

In the neutral or: central". position. of tlr'ieplate I'I'Il." as; illustrated iniFigurei 2; the arcuate edge H2. is engaged" by 8;..10'1161, "8* carried ononearm I" of" a bell" crank having a second arm I22. A red I24 depends from the freeendof the bell crankarm I22 into a. vertical bore I26 andis headed at I28 to confine one: end" of acoiled compression spring I30; the other end of-whichfi's': retained bya radialwall portion I 32 at'the-upper" end ofthe bore I26 The" bore I26 intersects the low-pressurepas sage" 4'2" and iscoaxial with a second bore 1-34 which intersects the. passage 42 and further i'n'-- tersectsfthehigh-pressure passage-3-2. The-lower BlldIOf the'bore. I31 is providedwitha*valve seat I'36I normally closed bya valve I38 biased to closed position by a coiled compression spring H01 Thebore I3 i is divided into upper and lower" portions by an intermediate; aperture-d1 radialwall I42 above' whichi's carried avalve I'M: This valve-is head'ed" at I- IS and has an axial passage I48 opening at" the lower end. of the valve" and a communicating radial passage the passage 32and theuppermotorport d'aa A lower tapered portion I 54" on the val've G'Ii simultaneously effects I opening of the lower checlvalve 58i Exhaust fluid returning through the hose and-motor port may-return to' the reservoir' via theexhaus-t" port 54-; the branch passage 62-; the low-pressure passage 42 and 'l-i'ne 4'0.

When the control lever- 2 8 is moved forwardly toefiect counterclockwise rocking of the IO Ckrshaft 68 the valve 46 moves upwar-dly'in-thevalve bore 4 4- and the valve portion I52 cuts off the up perportion of the valve bore so thatfluid under. pressure is-transmitted througlr the lower motor port 14' to the motor 12. Simultaneously; a= tapered portion I-56='at an'upper portion of theval vee 46 opens=the cl 'ieclrvalve 56 for the motor port 4'8 Exhaust fluid"returnihg'through the hose T0 and motor port 48 finds "its'- wayto=-the reservoir through-the exhaust port 52-; the branch passage. 60;- low-pressure passage 42 and-line 40 The main control valve 4-5- is maintained in either its raise or lower position by means ofthe' roller IIS' on-the-bell crank' Lill -I22 and is urged toward neutral position by the spring lba'ded arm androll'er I88; Forexampletwhen the rockshaft 6B": is rocked in a clockwise direm tionzto move the'va'lve lfi'dow-nwardly; the notched plate I06 moves. so that. the" end of the plate rather than" the notch engages theroller on the arm and roller means I08.- At thesame time; the arcuate edge I125 on the plate IIIl' departs from theroller H81 and the cut-off corner; 6 engages this roller. The spring loading effected by" the compression. spring; I'3IT maintains the roller 8 in engagement withthe cut-ofi corner I IE'; and thus maintains-the position of the main control" valve 461 New; should there occur an abnormal rise' in pressure in-thesystem, the reli'ef valve- I38. isunseat'edand} fluid flowing upwardlythrough: thebore I34 raises-the valve Mi toan extend sufficient-2 tobypass: fluid; pressure:

through; the passages I48 and It'll to the lowpressure passage 42-; at thesametime the head.

M'Iifof the valve I44 engagesthe headed end- I28 ofthe rod I24 This action moves the rod up.

- Wardly against'the loading of the-spring I3U and releases engagement between the roller II 8 and the' cut oif corner I'IB onthe plate III]. Thespring-loaded arm" and rollermeans I [I8 is con-- stantly urging the plate I06 (and consequently therock shaft' 6-8'-)'- to-the intermediate or' cen tral position of Figure 2'; Hence, the arm and roller means I08 is operative-toreturn the=rock-- shaft" and henc'ethe control valve 46 tic-neutral position; whereupon fluid may circulate idly through thesystem at no' appreci'able pressure:

A-t the same time, the two checltvalves 56 and 58- close and maintain the position of the piston-18 relativetothe cylinder 76';

- Eluz'djmotor and contiol'ltiiereofi-Eiizrures. 3fto. 11'T The cylinder or first motor member has an; interior. chamber I58 within which-the piston. 18 ofithe-secondmotor member is axially reciproca'.-= hle; and which is providedw-ith appropriate pas-e sages for supplying fluid to or' exhaustingrfluids therefrom at opposite. ends; As. best; shown. in; Figure 3, the. left-hand. end; of: the cylinder" [6 .is provided.withfirst:andrsec0nd.interiorlysthreaded. openings I69 andIBZ. The passageiof whichthe.

e opening I60. forms a partinclud'es an..elongated:

cored passage portion I64, whichrunslengthwiset: of: the upper portionof the cylinder. This passage: portion communic.ates:at.. the. right-hand. end off thescylinder'with. a generallyiannular groove I66 which. is in part concentric with. the cylinder: chamber I53.v Thecoringgof. the passage portion IE4 is facilitated. by. theprovisionof an. op.en.-- ing. Hi8 atthe right-hand. end ofithe cylinder; This ,openingis tapped. andreceives.a;closure;plug. I10;

Except for the. communicationzat I66, the passage: portion I64 is separated from the cylinder. chamber I58 by aniupper cylinderzwall portion. I112; (Figure 8). This'wall; portionais ofsubstanstial thickness and is coredxlengthwise' thereof to; provide ahousing portion: IMwhich opens at the: rightehandiend of the cylinder;as:a.communicat ing; bore I76 and. which opens: at. the. left-hand: endTof thecylinder' asaaicommuni'cating bore I18 which inturn communicates through a reduced counterbore. I80 withthe opening. I52: to-which the: hosev I4. is: connected. The. passage portion: comprisingthe bore, I80. includes as aI'l'BXtBIlSiOII; thereof a further passage'zportioni I82 whiclicommunicates withthe left-handiend of the cylin'r d'er' chamber I 58 (Figures 5; 6' and 7);.

The bore portion. I16 at the other end of. the. housing or-chamber I14: iszslightly enlarged at:- I 84 and is fitted withta coaxial-bushing I88. This bushing: has an appropriate" annular: external seal, I88 and is further provided. with. an axial bore I90;

7 The passage: portion: comprising" the" bore I88: communicates with the passagev portion I82 through first. and second. concentrieval ve seats I92 and I94. Valve means comprising a valveunit, designated generallyby thenumeral I95, is carried by'the cylinderrmember- I6 in. the upper. portion thereof for axial: movement". back" and forth in the bore- I'IB.. Theivalve unit I96 con. trols the flow of fluid pressure'athrough' the pas sageor bore I80? and includeszfirst' andsecond" or inner and outer valves v I98 and 200. Theval've- 200 forms a. head: on oneaend ofa rod zu'zwhicn. comprises. part: at a. first; control element be;

subsequently described in greater detail. The rod 282 extends lengthwise or axially of the housing or small chamber I14 and passes axially slidably through a central aperture 284 in the first valve I98 and also loosely through a centrally apertured, externally flanged washer 286 fixed in the housing or chamber I14 adjacent the junction thereof with the bore I18. That portion of the valve I98 proximate to the valve seats I92 and I94 is provided with a counterbore 288 of larger diameter than the bore 284. This counterbore provides a circular recess which receives or surrounds the valve 288. The opposite side of the valve I98 is provided with a counterbore 2I8 within which is received a first biasing means in the form of a relatively light coiled compression spring 2I2. This spring acts between the flanged washer 288 and the interior of the valve I98 and normally biases or urges the valve I98 to the left, or in the direction in which it moves to seat on the valve seat I92.

The valve seat I92 is of larger diameter than the valve seat I94, which accords with the larger diameter of the left-hand end of the valve I98 over that of the valve 288, so that the valves respectively seat on the seats I92 and I94.

The rod 282 extends lengthwise of the passage or chamber I14 and has the end portion thereof opposite the valve 288 axially slidably received in a hollow or tubular member 2 I4 which comprises another part of the control element including the rod 282. The opposite end of the tubular member 2 I4 is pinned at 2| 6 to a coaxial rod 2 I8 which extends axially slidably and outwardly through the bore I98 in the bushing I86. The outer or external end of the rod 2I8 has fixed thereto a depending arm 228 which is positionable to be engaged by a second control element in the form of an adjustable clip member 222 fixedly carried on the external part of the piston rod 88. The clip 222 is of the spring type and is of U-shape, having a pair of legs 224 apertured at 226 to receive the piston rod 88. The legs 224 may be squeezed together so that the clip may be moved axially of the piston rod. When the legs 224 are released, the clip binds itself to the piston rod 88 and thus provides an adjustable limit stop which, once set, moves axially with the piston rod and reflects back and forth movement of the piston is within the chamber I58 of the cylinder I6. The clip 222 may be set at any predetermined desired position on the piston rod 88 so as to engage the arm 228 on the control element 282- 2I42I8 for effecting operation of the valve I96 in accordance with the extent of travel of the piston I8. In the present instance, the valve I96 is effective to control the exhaust of fluid pressure through'the passage I82I88 as the piston I8 moves to the left. Having regard to the spec'ific illustration of tractor and plow shown in Figure 1, the control elements 222 and 282 2 I4- 2| 8 are effective to control the valve I96 with respect to lowerin'g'of the plow bottom I88. As will be hereinafter brought out in greater detail, a predetermined setting of the clip or control element 222 is effective to cause lowering of the plow bottom to a preselected ground-working position. At the same time, overtravel of the piston 18 in the same direction (to the left) may be had without affecting the setting of the con trol element or clip 222.

The right-hand end of the cylinder I8 carries a shield 228 which protects the exposed or pro-' jecting end of the rod 2I8. This shield is elongated and is coaxial with the bore I84, its inner end being fixed to the cylinder by being carried in this bore. The shield is of arcuate cross-section to at least partially enclose the rod 2 I8. In so far as the present invention is concerned, the

shield 228 may be of any other type or may be omitted.

Figure 11 shows a detail view of the tubular or hollow member 2I4. inner end of the member is provided with a pair of diametrically opposed, lengthwise slots 23. and the opposite end portion has a transverse opening 232 for receiving the pin 2I6 which effects the connection between the member H4 and the rod 2I8. The function of the slot 238 is to accommodate a transverse pin 234 which extends crosswise of the rod 282 intermediate the ends of the rod. A coiled compression spring 236 encircles the rod 282 between the flanged washer 286 and a washer 238 that abuts both against the pin 234 and the inner end of the hollow member 2|4. The spring 236 comprises second biasing means substantially stronger than and acting in opposition to the biasing means or relatively light spring 2I2. Hence, the spring 236 operates through the washer 238 and pin 234 to urge the rod 282 nor-' mally to the right. Since the valve 288 forms a head on the left-hand end of the rod 282, andsince this head engages the valve I98, the spring 236 serves also to move the valve I98 to the left, overcoming the action of the relatively light spring 2I2. 288, serving as a head on the rod 282, and the valve I98 is effective to establish a one-way connecting means between the two valves so that the two may move together in one direction and may move separately in the opposite direction. From the description thus far, it will be seen that the valve I96 is normally held in an open or initial position by means of the biasing means comprising the compression spring 236. the washer 238 at the right-hand end of the spring 236 abuts the inner end of the tubular member 2I4, the spring is likewise effective to,

maintain the control rod 2| 8 in its outwardly projected position. The rod 282 is, of course,-

maintained in its position toward the right as an incident to opening of the valve I96. Assuming now that the piston rod 88 is fully extendedor moved a maximum distance to the rightin accordance with raising of the plow bottom I88 to its transport position, the control arm 228 on the rod 2I8 will occupy substantially the position illustrated in Figure 6. The second control element or clip 222 will be spaced from the control arm 228 as in Figure 1. Now, as the control lever 28 is moved rearwardly to rock the rockshaft 68 in a clockwi e direction for effecting downward movement of the valve 46, fluid under pressure is transmitted from the high-pressure passage 32, through the upper motor port 48, through the upper hose I8 andthrough the passage I68-I64I66 to the right-. hand end of the cylinder 76. The increased volume and pressure of fluid at the right side of the piston 18 causes the piston to move to the left, thus exhausting fluid at the left-hand side of the piston through the passage I 88I82 for ultimate return to the reservoir 38. After'the piston has traveled through a range or extent determined by the settin of the control element or clip 222, the latter contacts the control arm 228 on the rod 2I8. This is the position illus-. trated in Figure 6. To further facilitate an understanding of the construction, the legend A,

It will be seen that the The relationship between the valve Since was been @used .;in Figurenfiito indicate an. initial giposition iof the washer i238. At this stage of-the @operation, the compression :spring 236 .is fully extended and maintains the valve I96 in-itsinitial or passage-openin osition. Hence, the passage I 8ll-l82 is'still'o'pen for the transmis- :wsion of fluid exhausted fromthelefthand end of ethe cylinder.

@As the "piston continues 'tomove to the aleft, .sthe clip or control element :222 operates through ithe control arm 220 to move the :irod 2 I8 and tubular member 2I4 to the left and, since the i'lnner end of the tubular member? I4, abuts i the washer" 238, the spring 236Lis compressed. This *action' modifies the. biasing f action .of the :spring 236 to the extent'that'the valve-actuating spring :2 I 2 "is 'no' longer overcome, whereupon: the :spring 3:2I2 canshift the" valve I98 to the left, carry- .T'ing "along with it the valve 209 and' 'rod 202. "The action just described takes place during that range of leftward piston travel reflected by the distance between the letters A and B in Figure '6, giving the result illustrated inFi'g ure 7, wherein thele'tterB again indicates'the'po- :"sition of the washer 238 after the spring 236 has been compressed sufficiently to allow the "spring 2 I2 to move the valve I 96 to thefleft to "what may be termed an-intermediate-position. "Therod 2fl2'is'not positively moved by the hollow member 2M, since'the transversepin 234 is "loosely received 'in the slots 230 in the mem- :ber-2'I4.

In this intermediate *position er the valve I 96-'that is, with thevalve I 98 seating on the valve "seat I92 whilethe valvezlmisunseated from the seat I94-transmission-of fiuid from theleft-hand end =-or "the *chamber I58 of the cylinder I6 is not completely out 01f through "the "passage I 82-'I 80, since the 'valve I98 is provided "with'a restricting or throttling orifice 2-49 which "communicatesfromthe exterior of the valve I98 "to the circular'reces 'provided by the counterbore 298 in the valve I98. The -orifice thus serves as I a restricting or throttling passage com-' municating the passage I82 and'thepassage I88 viathe valve seat I94. The restriction thus set up is sufficient to create an abnormal rise'in pressure, in the*system,--with the result that'the pressure-relief valve "I38 is caused to unseat, which action is followedby release of the plate -'I II] by the roller H8 so that the control valve 46 mayau-tomatically returnto its neutral'po- "sition. The check valves 56 and58 close and the motor 12 is isolated "from the distributing valve'25. 'Thus, the position o'f-theplow bottom IIIEI achieved bystopping the piston I8 is "hydraulically fixed. I

Inasmuch as the intermediateposition of the gvalve I96 does not establish a comple'te'bloc'kade ,-the system, maximum pressure is still available at the high-pressurepassage 32 for transmission to the right hand end of the cylinder. In-view of the restriction or throttling action at 240, movement of the piston 18 further to the left will .be

at a relativelylower speed than before. 'Never- .theless, the increased movement desired is often relatively small and the slow .speed at which I it wis-eifected is-not a material disadvantage.

It is another feature-of the invention to provide 915 rmeans for positively limiting the extentof over- :travel of the piston I8. In the present case, the means for effecting this resultcomprisesdelayedaction means including a pair ofcoiled-compressionsprings 242 and 244 encircling the rod 202 -20 intermediatethe iflanged washer 206 and abutment-washer 238 and disposed respectively at-opposite sides of a fixed transverse 'pin 246 carried by the rod 292. In bot-hof the positions shown in Figures 6 and 7, both springs 242 and 244 are relaxed and the right-hand end of the spring r244 is spaced a substantial axialdistance to the left from the abutment washer 238. The springs 242 and 244 have no effect whatsoever on the action of the control mechanism uptothe point illustrated in Figure 7.

.As slow-speed overtravel .of =-the piston I8 is achieved, the control element or clip 222 con- :tinuesits pressure on t-he-controlirod 2I8 which :in turn transmits --pressu1e against the washer 238 to compress lthe spring 236 1 substantially --to *the point C in Figure- L :As the tubularmember 2I4 moves inwardly to act through the washer.

238 to compressthe-spring 236,-the fixed transverse pin 234 in s the I rod 202 is received by the e10 wlengthwiseslots 230 in-the member-214. Hence,

there is no positive action on the rod 202 by the member 214. However, as the washer 238 is movedlto the point C-in Figure 7,'-the washerpicks up the right-hand end of'the smallspring- 244 and 1 continued movement of the pistonIB toathejleft,

accompanied by continued "movement of the -washer'238 to the left, transmits pressure through the-spring 244 to-thepin 246. I iscfixed: to :the rod, "there is: now aconnection 'ine "eluding cushioning means betweenthe washer 238 and the rod 202. Thisvconnection-is sufiicienttto cause the -rodi2ll2 to be :shifted to t-the left so that the valve 200 completely-closes or seats-on i'the valvetseat I94. :Thisestablishes a finalpos'i- 5 :ition of the valve I96 to completely block the passage I82 I80 againstthe transmission of 'fiuicl :-'from the chamber I58 :back to 'thereservoir 38.

In view of the complete blockade established by the final :or passage-closing position of the valve at-"the passage MB-I82, the system is operative r60 I96, lther'eis again created inthe system'an abfor overtravel of the pistonlS to the left of the position shown in Figure 7. This overtravel "-isuseful in "furtherlowering of the plow bottom EIO'II and may be accomplished accordingto "the present invention'without disturbing the setting of the control element orclip 222. The operatorjagain moves the control lever'28 rearwardly rand holds it in this position, again shifting the imain valve 46 for transmission of fluid under -:pressure through theupper motor port "48 to the :rig'htFhand end of the cylinderand at the same ztimeopeningxtheplower icheckivalve 'tiliwforlexhaust fof fluid from the left-hand :end I of "the I cylinder through the hose 114 and motor port 50. :Manual 'normal 'rise in pressure which actuates the relief valve I38. Since ftheipiston I8 is how -hydrauli'callylocked, the availableipressure cannotmove iitiurther 'tothe left. The action of the relief valve at :thistime is audible to the operator and :he will zthereupon release the control valve :for

return toneutralpositi'on. I

Althoughlmovementbf the'v'alve 200 to its-final,

massage-closing positionby the means just sclef 'zscrib'ed will efiect compressiono'r loading of the second spring 242, :this spring :is not eiTective to Ishift the control rod again to the right1a1s long -a=as the mm 22.2 engages the :arm 226 at the meter fend for the rod 2A8. 'Ih'e final position :;of

tapressure o'n tth'e control lever "28 is sufilcient to 7 the-Ivalvelis illustrated'zin Figure5, showing move- Since the latter the spring 2I2.

ment of the washer from position to posit-ion n to compress the springs 244 and 242. It will be understood, of course, that overtravel of the piston I8 is from the position shown in Figure 7 to that shown in Figure 5, a distance reflected by the travel of the washer 238 from position C r to position D.

tom from its ground-working position to its tranport position, the operator moves the control lever 28 forwardly, raising the main valve 46 for transmission of fluid under pressure through the hose I4 to the left-hand end of the cylinder I6. Fluid pressure against the face of the valve 209 easily opens this valve against further compression of the spring 244, 'assis'ed by action of the spring 242. As the valve 20!) moves to the right, it picks up the valve I98 and moves it against the relatively light pressure of By this time, fluid has enered the passage I82 and begins to move the piston I8 to the right, thus releasing pressure of the clip or control element 222 against the rod 2I8. Ultimately, the parts are restored to the positions illustrated in Figure 6, the control element 202-2I42I8 stopping substantially at the position indicated while the piston rod 80 and control element 222 are capable of moving further to the right, as in Figure l.

A still further feature of the invention is the provision of means for looking out the valve I98 so that the system may function entirely on the basis of the positive blockade or passage-closing action of the valve 260. The components of this means are best illustrated in Figures 3, 4, 9 and 10.

The left-hand end of the cylinder I6 is provided with a vertical bore 248, an intermediate portion of which is threaded to receive rotatably therein a stop or lock-out member 259. This member has a lower end 252 which is milled off at 254 to provide a flat. The upper end of the member 250 projects above the upper level of the cylinder and is equipped with a handle 256 by means of which the member may be rotated in the bore 248. A stop pin 258 is provided at the upper portion of the cylinder for engagement from one side or the other thereof by the handle portion 256 to determine the on or off positions of the member 250.

The drawings illustrate the unlocked position of the member 250. In this position, the fiat 254 is paral el to the direction of movement of the valve I98 and hence is out of the path of movement of this valve. This position of the member 250 is determined by engagement of the handle 256 with one side of the stop pin 258. When the handle 256 is rotated in the direction indicated in Figure 3, until the other portion of the handle engages the other side of the pin 258, the flat 254 is disposed transverse to the path of movement of the valve I98. Hence, the

.portion of the member 259 of increased diameter is interposed in the path of movement of the valve I98 as an obstruction to movement thereof.

However, this portion of the member 250 does not by the washer 238 is not followed by extension of the spring 2I2, since the valve' I98 is retained by the lock member 250. Therefore, the intermediate phase of operation of:the valve. .I96'is temporarily and effectively eliminated. Since the look-out does not affect the valve 209, functioning of this valve will occur as previously described.

Summary The improved control valve mechanism for the hydrau ic system provided according to the present invention achieves all the desirable results obtainable by mechanism heretofore known; that is, there is provided means for limiting the travel of one motor member relative to another by the utilization of a selectively setable stop effective to operate a valve for the purpose of creating an abnormal rise in pressure in the hydraulic system. At the same time, overtravel of one motor member relative to the oher is obtainable because of the leakage or throttling provided by the intermediate position or phase of operation of the valve I96. Of further importance is the ultimate posiive blockade of the passage by the valve I96 in its final, passage-closing position. The user of a system equipped with valve mechanism constructed according to the principles of the present invention is thus able to achieve overtravel Within a limited range, which is of particular importance when the user knows precisely the extent of overtravel that can be obtained. For exampe, in the present instance the amount of overtravel possible is one and onehalf inches (the drawings are approximately half scale). Thus, the operator knows that his adjustment of an implement or equivalent partbeyond the position he has preselected will not be excessive to the point of creating a dangerous or harmful condition.

Further obiects and features of the invention not specifically enumerated above will undoubtedly occur to those versed in the art, as likewise will numerous modifications and alterations in the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated, all of which may be achieved without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A fluid-pressure control system, comprising: a first member having a chamber and means providing a passage for the flow of fluid to and from the chamber; a second member having an internal part movable back and forth in the chamber, and an external part outside the chamber and connected to and reflecting movement of the internal part; valve means in the first member for controlling flow of fluid pressure through the passage, including a first valve movable between a passage-opening position and a pas age-throttling position, and a second valve movable between a passage-opening position and a passage closing position; first means biasing the first valve toward passage-restricting position; second means of greater strength than the first means, for biasing the second valve to passage-opening position; one-way'connecting means between the valves effective to cause opening movement of the first valve upon opening movement of the second valve by the second biasing means; a first control element carried by the first member and engageable by the second. valve for movement in one direction under action of the second biasing means, and movable in the opposite direction in opposition to the second biasing means: a second control element fixed to the external part of the second member to refiect back and forth movement thereof and engageable with the first; control telement to :move ithe latter tin "said zopposite 1 ditrection to overcome 383,16. Psecond itbiasing means sso that 'the first .biasing :means is effective to :rmove the first valveito passageethrottling :posi-.

i-tiOII; and delayed actionmeans operative between :one of. the controlelements .and the second" valve -.and eiiectiveto-moverthe second"valvettoxpassageclosing :position upon continued :sameedirection tmovement of said one :control element.

' 2. The invention defined j in rcclaim *1, further rcharacterized in that: means :;is carried by the -first member 'for preventing passage-throttling reaction "ofrther firstvalveso thatthe passage may :be either :completely opened :orcompletely closed lby ;,the-"second'zvalv.e :alone, :comprising a movable 300k element-Jselectivelyrshiftable into i or retracti- 'ble out of the ;path ;of movement .of said first waive.

:13. The t-inventi'onzde'fined in ,claim 11, further :chara'cterizedjntthat: :the ;passage has first and ssecondmoncentric valve seats, the first being .of .larger diameter than the-second; the first and :second-valves are coaxial with the seats :andre- 'gspectivelyof larger and smaller diameters ac- :cording to said-seats; the first control element characterized in that: the first biasing means comprises a spring encircling the rod and effective between the first member and the first valve;

and the second biasing means comprises a stronger spring encircling the rod and effective between the first member and the rod and opposed to the first spring.

5. The invention defined in claim 4, further characterized in that: the first member has an apertured part fixed thereto and axially spaced from the valve seats and through which the rod is axially slidable; the first spring is at one side of said apertured part and operates between said apertured part and the first valve; and the second spring is at the other side of said apertured part and operates between said apertured part and an abutment member on the rod.

6. The invention defined in claim 5, further characterized in that: the first control element includes a hollow member arranged in coaxial telescopic relation to the rod and having an inner end portion engaging and opposing the second spring, and having an outer end portion engageable by the second control element; and said inner end portion of the hollow member being formed to accommodate the abutment member on the rod so that the hollow member may have axial movement toward the valve seats relative to the abutment member.

'7. The invention defined in claim 6, further characterized in that: the aforesaid delayed-ac tion means comprises a stop device on the rod intermediate the abutment member and the apertured; part and engageable by the inner end of the hollow member subsequent to a predetermined amount of axial travel of the hollow member toward the valve seats.

8. The invention defined in claim 7, further characterized in that: the stop device includes a cushioning element to absorb impact of the iinnersend sroif .thelhollow :member. ionzthe :rod inwand the inner end .of the hollow member; the

venergy storing means is ,a coiled compression ,Ispring encircling the rod between the apertured part (and ,the'fixedelement, and the cushioning ;means is another coiled compression spring en- ,circling .the.rod between the fixed element and the inner end of thejhollow member.

11. Afiuid-pressure control system, comprising: .afirstmember having a chamber and means providing apassage for the flow of fluid to and .from theichamber; a second member having an internal part movable back and forth in .the chamber, and an external part outside the chamber and connected to and refiectingmovementof the internal part; valve means in the first memfberlfor controlling flow of fiuid pressure through :thepassagaincluding a valve unit movable from an. initial, vpassage-opening position tosan intermediate, passage-throttling position and subsequently to a final, passage-closing position;

first biasing vmeans normally .urging the valve nnit to its intermediate position; second biasing meansnormally urgfng thevalve unit toits initial posilion and constructed and arranged'to overcome the bias of the first biasing means; and control means interconnecting the valve and the second member for actuating the valve sequentially from initial to intermediate to final position in response to movement of the second member in one direction, including a control element operative upon predetermined movement of the second member in said direction to modify the bias of the second biasing means so that the first biasing means is effective to move the valve unit to its intermediate position, and further including delayed-action means operative after a predetermined extent of further movement of the second member in the same direction to eflect movement of the valve unit from its intermediate position to its final position.

12. A fluid-pressure control system, comprising: a first member having a chamber and means providing a passage for the flow of fluid to and from the chamber; a second member having an internal part movable back and forth in the chamber, and an external part outside the chamber and connected to and reflecting movement of the internal part; valve means in the first member for controlling fiow of fluid pressure through the passage, including a valve unit movable from an initial, passage-opening position to an intermediate, passage-throttling position and subsequently to a final, passage-closing position; biasing means normally urging the valve unit to its initial position; and control means intercom-- necting the valve and the second member for actuating the valve sequentially from initial to intermediate to final position in response to movement of the second member in one direction,

75 said direction to effect movement of the valve 15 unit to its intermediate position, and further including delayed-action means operative after a predetermined extent of further movement of the second member in the same direction to effect movement of the valve unit from its intermediate position to its final position.

13. In a fluid-pressure control system having a first motor member formed with a chamber and a passage through which fluid may flow to and from the chamber to effect reciprocation of a second motor member within the chamber, valve means for controlling the flow of fluid for sequentially permitting, next restricting and finally stopping such flow, comprising: means providing a port for the passage through which the fluid flows; a first valve movable between a portopening position to a port-restricting position; means connected between the first valve and the second member and effective in response to a predetermined extent of movement of the second motor member in the chamber to cause movement of said first valve to its port-restricting position; a second valve movable between a portopening position and a port-closing position; means arranging said valves for initial disposition simultaneously in their port-opening positions; and means connected between the second valve and the second motor member and operative in response to movement of the second motor member in the chamber beyond said predetermined extent to cause movement of said second valve to port-closing position.

14. In a fluid-pressure control system having a first motor member formed with a chamber and a passage through which fluid may fiow to and from the chamber to effect reciprocation of a second motor member within'the chamber. valve means for controlling the flow of fluid for sequentially permitting, next restricting and finally stopping such flow, comprising: means providing a port for the passage through which the fluid flows; a first valve movable between a port-opening position to a port-restricting position; means connected between the first valve and the second member and efiective in response to a predetermined extent of movement of the second motor member in the chamber to cause movement of said first valve to its port-restricting position; a second valve movable relative to the first valve between a port-opening position and a port-closing position; means arranging said valves for initial disposition simultaneously in their port-opening positions; means arranging said valves for sequential movement from their port-opening positions in such order that the first valve moves first to its port-restricting position and then the second valve moves to its port-closing position; and means connected to the valves and operative by the second motor member to cause said sequential movement of the valves by movement of the second motor member in the chamber first to a predetermined extent, to move said first valve to its port-restricting position, and then beyond said predetermined extent to move said second valve to its port-closing position, said last-named means including a delay-producing connection to provide a time interval between port-restriction and port-closing. Y EDWARD'H. FLETCHER.

No references cited. 

